Member Voices

In this final episode of NAIS Member Voices, we take a moment to reflect on the conversations, stories, and perspectives that have shaped the podcast over the past 10 years. From educators and leaders across independent schools, Member Voices has been about learning from one another and sharing what inspires us, challenges us, and moves our work forward. Moving forward, we’ll continue bringing these perspectives into New View EDU and beyond—while Member Voices lives on as a feature in Independent School magazine. So this isn’t "goodbye" just "see you in a different format". And we hope you’ll stay connected by emailing [email protected].

You can find related NAIS resources from all past episodes of NAIS Member Voices by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Tom Woelper, Head of School at Cheshire Academy, shares how he approaches leadership as a balance of vision, accountability, and community energy—drawing on the three meanings of a conductor to guide a 230‑year‑old institution. He reflects on navigating financial pressures, fostering belonging in a diverse boarding‑day community, and shaping personalized pathways that help students thrive academically and personally. Tom also discusses the enduring impact of international students, the school’s IB‑driven global outlook, and why returning to time with students keeps him inspired.

You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Christopher Kramaric, Chief Advancement Officer at Church Farm School (PA), shares how his school advances its mission of providing a college preparatory education to all boys through innovative fundraising and community engagement. He discusses the school’s unique history as a working farm, the evolution of its advancement strategy, and creative approaches to building partnerships with businesses, alumni, and local organizations. Christopher also reflects on his personal journey to independent schools, the importance of storytelling and relationship-building in philanthropy, and how experiential learning and community connections prepare students for a debt-free future.

You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

This month, guest host Link Nicoll speaks with Greg Schneider, head of Belmont Hill School (MA). Greg discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of running a school for boys – including the importance of mentorship, the nuances of masculinity, and insights on approaching character development and mental health. Schneider also highlights the significance of faculty recruitment and the role of governance at his school.

You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

The Conversation: AI in the Classroom by audio podcast by NAIS

Ryann Fapohunda, Director of DEIB and Director of Specialists at Beauvoir, The National Cathedral Elementary School (DC), reflects on her journey from AmeriCorps literacy tutor to school leader and the values that guide her work. She discusses fostering belonging in early childhood education, supporting faculty through inclusive leadership, and navigating the dual roles of equity practitioner and team leader. Ryann shares how she builds community with families, cultivates age-appropriate conversations around identity, and leads with authenticity, transparency, and care. She also reflects on mentorship, motherhood, and the importance of sustaining educators so they can show up fully for students.

You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

This month we bring you another episode from our sister NAIS podcast, New View EDU. This episode from Season 8 features a conversation with NAIS President Debra Wilson and Jalaj Desai, Head of School at Saddle River Day School (NJ). Debra and Jalaj discuss how schools are responding to rapid technological change in different ways, and how Jalaj is integrating AI across all aspects of education at his school to drive innovation and future readiness.

You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Jessica Bremmer, English department chair and upper school English teacher at Westridge School (CA), shares how her background in English and passion for storytelling shape her leadership and commitment to amplifying student voices. She discusses creating spaces where students feel heard and empowered, supporting faculty in times of change, and fostering trust across the community. Jessica also reflects on her journey from the classroom to leadership, the importance of modeling vulnerability and reflection, and how independent schools can nurture belonging while embracing challenge and growth.

You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Spencer Burrows, Equity and Civic Engagement Coordinator at Pacific Ridge School (CA), shares how he’s making civics real for students through hands-on experiences like internships, advocacy trips, and direct engagement with local government. He discusses the creation of the Civic Leadership Academy, the importance of focusing on local issues to foster meaningful participation, and the development of essential soft skills—like communication and adaptability—throughout the program. Spencer also offers practical advice for schools looking to build or enhance their own civic engagement initiatives, all while navigating today’s polarized climate.

You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Michelle Hirschy, director of wellness, and Lucas Jacob, director of writing, communication, and media literacy at La Jolla Country Day School (CA), explore the challenges and opportunities of guiding students through today’s complex digital world. From the constant stream of online images and videos of war and terrorism to the rapid rise of AI tools and political extremism on social media, Hirschy and Jacob reflect on how their evolving roles intersect to support student well-being and media literacy. In this candid exchange, they share how schools can help students develop the skills and mindsets needed to engage with digital content critically, compassionately, and responsibly—while also supporting each other as sounding boards and collaborators in a rapidly shifting educational landscape.